THE venue was first class, the weather typical for England in May but, sadly, the first playing of the Chris Shyne Memorial Trophy didn't live up to the expectations of the neutrals watching the match at Phoenix Park on Sunday morning.

A betting man would have put money on Littleborough to take the crown, and he would have been quids in within 40 seconds of the start.

Straight from the kick-off Littleborough gained possession as a loose ball fell to Lee Kershaw 30 yards from Heywood Reform's goal. He smashed it goalwards and, to the surprise of all, the ball flew inside the upright to give Boro the lead.

It was a sensational start but Reform hit back as Chris Nuttall (pictured right) raced clear of a Boro defender to clip the ball past keeper Stephen Dunne.

To the dismay of the Heywood support the flag went up for offside - just who was offside was the subject of some debate.

From that point Boro's physical advantage was to prove the difference between the two teams. Reform's insistence on playing the ball long and down the middle suited their opponents down to the ground, as central defenders Lee Kelly and Wayne Taylor mopped up anything which came their way.

Reform's best attacking option came when Nuttall was in possession and on two occasions he just failed to convert half-chances.

It was tough going for Reform but in the 20th minute a handball in the Boro box had the assistant referee flagging for a penalty.

Boro argued it was ball to hand, with some justification, but referee Nick Gibbons had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Reform skipper Blackledge took the kick, Dunne saved but was judged to have moved off his line and the kick was taken again. This time Blackledge hit the ball over the bar.

Five minutes later Jamie McCulloch and Kershaw challenged for the ball, heads clashed and both were left lying on the ground. With blood gushing from their wounds the duo took no further part in the game.

Both teams re-organised and Boro were first to settle as Reform keeper Lee Grogan was forced to make two fine saves. Reform continued with the long ball to no avail and, when Boro broke out on attack, Hurst stung Grogan's hands with a fierce volley.

The second half saw both sides struggling to create worthwhile opportunities.

Nuttall's lightning pace troubled the Boro defence and he was hacked down in full flight as he cut in from the right. Mike Weatherilt's free-kick flew over the bar.

Reform got more into the game but, in the 68th minute, suffered a severe setback. A Boro attack appeared to have broken down but, as the ball bobbed around the Reform box, Hurst unleashed a stunning drive to double Boro's lead.

It was a sickener for Reform, but Nuttall's enthusiasm continued to give them hope.

Boro stood firm and their well organised and commanding back four allowed little to get through to Dunne, ensuring the coveted Chris Shyne Trophy would reside in Littleborough for the next 12 months.